Duke's
Lot 145
BATTLE OF AISNE, 20TH SEPTEMBER 1914 CASUALTY GROUP TO MAJOR A. K. ROBB 2ND BATTALION DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY, who though severely wounded carried on leading his men, before falling in front of the enemy's trenches. He had been recommended for the DSO in India. 1895-1902 Indian General Service Medal, Punjab Frontier 1987-98 & Tirah 1897-98 -Lieut A K Robb 2nd Bn. Durham Lt. Infy. 1914 Star Bar Trio, IGS - Correctly engraved, Trio - Correctly impressed, Condition - EF Major Alexander Kirkland Robb was born in Pune, India on 26th August 1872. The eldest son of Lt Col John Robb and Joan Robb. Robb was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and the University of Aberdeen, gaining a BA. He then attended Sandhurst where he passed out first and was awarded the Sword of Honour as best overall Cadet. Robb was commissioned into the Durham Light Infantry on 20th May 1893 as a Second Lieutenant. In 1897 he was attached to the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and saw service on the Northwest Frontier, where he was recommended for the Distinguished Service Order. Armed with only a revolver along with two soldiers, he had prevented the enemy flanking; however, the award was not approved. Robb was Mentioned in Despatches twice during the campaign. The Honourable W.L. Vane in 'The Durham Light Infantry' wrote: 'Lieutenant Robb and Second Lieutenant Gibson were attached to the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Light Infantry; this battalion formed part of the reserve brigade at Rawal Pindi, but later was moved to Mamanai in the Bara Valley; on the 29th January 1898 it formed part of a column under Colonel Sepping, which when operating with other columns from Jamrud and Ali Musjid, was heavily engaged and suffered serious loss. Lieutenant Robb behaved with great gallantry in this action and was recommended for the D.S.O.; the recommendation was, however, not entertained. A skilled sketcher and draughtsman, service in Burma followed with Robb being attached to The Burma Boundary Commission. He then served as Adjutant of the Burma Volunteers in Rangoon from 1902 to 1907. In 1907 he re-joined the DLI in Dublin and served in the Regimental Depot from 1910 to 1912. In September 1912 he was made Adjutant of the OTC at Durham University, where he was employed as a lecturer in Military History. For his service in both roles, Robb was awarded an honorary MA. He was recalled to his regiment in August 1914 and was at the front on 20th September 1914 when his battalion first went into action at The Battle of Aisne. During the battle, he was severely wounded but kept leading his men from the front. He was mortally wounded about 40 yards in front of the German trenches and died of his wounds later the same day. He was carried in by Pte J Warwick, who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his actions on that day, the award was downgraded to the DCM. Alexander was laid to rest in Vendresse British Cemetery.
